The Complete Open Bar & Wedding Liquor Buying Guide
How to save money by purchasing your own alcohol, avoiding per-head venue markups, and choosing crowd-pleasing signature cocktails.
1. Choosing 750ml Fifths vs. 1.75L Handles
When buying spirits at warehouse stores like Costco, Total Wine, or Samโs Club:
- Standard 750ml Fifths (16 Cocktails): Recommended for premium back-bar display and lower-volume spirits like Gin and Scotch.
- 1.75L Handles (39 Cocktails): Best for high-volume staples like Vodka and Tequila. Handles reduce bottle clutter behind the bar and lower per-cocktail liquor cost by 25%.
2. State Liquor Laws & Unopened Bottle Returns
Always ask your retailer about their return policy before purchasing. In states like California, Washington, and Florida, retailers such as BevMo and Total Wine accept returns on unopened, unchilled wine and liquor bottles with clean labels and receipts. This allows you to safely buy a 15% buffer without risking lost money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bartenders do I need for 100 to 150 guests?
For a full open bar with mixed drinks, hire 1 bartender for every 50 to 75 guests (2 bartenders for 100โ150 guests) to keep drink lines under 3 minutes.
How many signature cocktails should a wedding have?
Two signature cocktails is the sweet spot (e.g. His: Bourbon Old Fashioned, Hers: Spicy Mezcal Margarita) to give guests variety without overwhelming bartenders.
How much champagne is needed for a wedding toast?
A toast pour is roughly 4 ounces (half a glass), yielding 6 toast flutes per 750ml champagne bottle. For 120 guests, buy 20 bottles.